Original subtitles

They look at me with those eyes. I feel so rotten.

How do you tell your parents that deep down inside, you're nothing but a stupid

ox? You're not stupid, Felix. You're good at a great many things.

Name one.

You're a good cook.

You're a good friend.

And I'm sure if I tried, I could think of more.

Tell that to Aunt Hedy. She doesn't think I'm good at anything.

Amanda.

Last night's assignment, please.

Your essay on the solitude of Alexander Selkirk.

I... Well, the thing is, I got home so late from working at the hotel last

that I didn't exactly finish it.

Enough of these pallid excuses.

You're continuously late. Your marks are deplorable. Your attitude... I will

thank you to wipe that...

Please, smirk from your face.

This is no laughing matter.

You realise, I hope, that you're this close to failing.

Oh, yes.

However, I... I will. I'll give you one last chance to redeem yourself.

That essay on Alexander Selkirk, I want it here.

Let her perfect. First thing tomorrow morning, understood?

And now, class, we'll proceed.

Of a gentleman, a royal wedding.

It's a coup of major proportions.

Pierre, have we laid in a supply of beluga caviar?

Enough for an army.

It's like old times, Nespa.

Do you remember Paris, the Ritz, or the wedding we did for the Baroness de Rieb?

Do I remember? How could I forget?

A thousand white doves released from golden cages.

Waiters dancing the tango with balls of cherries.

Lobby over there.

And that glorious raven -haired flamenco dancer with her hair up to here.

And her dress, don't it? Oh, I remember as well.

You're so lucky.

I mean, you two actually live.

Nothing exciting ever happens to me. Your turn will come.

You just sit there and you relax. You've been on the go since you got home.

Looks like you have a nice fresh piece of pie. I can't, Mother. I've got

homework. Just a piece of pie and a glass of milk. It'll help you think.

Heady cracking the whip again there, son?

Oh, now, Alex, I'm sure Felix isn't the only one with homework to do.

What's the problem?

I don't know everything.

I'm sick of school.

Why can't I ever do anything fun?

Fun? Like Pierre and Mr. Tremaine.

They've seen the world. They had adventures. I know how you feel, Felix,

you've got to finish your schooling before you think about adventures.

But I don't understand this stuff. I'm not good at it. Writing essays about

dead goth man.

Where's that going to get me?

Well, I was never much of a scholar myself, Don. I'm the first to admit

But the different world nowadays, things are changing so fast. A young man needs

an education just to keep up. Oh, your father's right, dear.

We never had a chance to go to university.

That's why we're so proud of Felicity going to medical school.

We have high hopes for you, too.

Your father and I would be deeply disappointed if you didn't make

yourself.

No, you can if you try.

Dribble.

I'm giving you a nap. That's all it's worth.

And that means you'll have to...

repeat your English course again next year.

But that means I won't graduate with my friends.

Don't do this to me.

No arguing.

You should have considered that before.

Your parents will have to be notified, you know.

So, either you do it, or I will.

No.

I'll tell them.

And furthermore, I'm...

relieving you of your position at the hotel for your own good.

But they need me.

The wedding dinner.

Wedding dinner will simply have to proceed without you.

Pack the chicken to Felix, Alec. Now, you haven't had one bite.

You're not coming down with something, I hope.

No temperature.

Leave him be, Janet. He's just off his food.

So how'd you make out with that, uh, essay?

Uh, fine.

Madly spick -scused.

Uh... I'll keep a plate warm for you for

later.

McPhee is the name.

Maggie Caden McPhee. And I'd like a word with my son, the owner.

Thank you.

My boy owns this whole place.

Old kitten caboodle.

He's done well for himself, he has.

I'd like to speak to the owner, if you don't mind.

Yes, ma 'am.

It's a grand day.

If it doesn't rain.

Yes. May I help you, madam?

Well, go on with you. I asked for the owner. Who do you think you are?

I am Simon Tremaine, Esquire, madam, and I own this establishment.

Oh. And maybe you're the King of England as well.

Huh?

Oh.

It's boiling hot in this place.

Could you help me off with my cloak?

That's... That's a grand night.

Oh, I'm just a little faint.

I haven't had a bite of food since this morning.

I'll just get my pills.

Now, Mrs. McPhee, we don't want to make a fuss, do we?

Perhaps you've come to the wrong place.

Wrong place? I'm here for the wedding.

Madam, that's impossible.

Now, please, if you'll just... How much longer do we have to wait?

Mrs. McPhee, come along quietly now.

Albert, arrange to have this woman taken back to the village.

But I wanted to see my son, Pierre LaPierre.

You came to see Pierre?

Well, of course I did.

For the love of my life, I've been telling you that since I set foot in the

place.

He just missed him.

Said to tell you he's real sorry to miss the wedding, but he's looked after all

the arrangements.

Dear mother and father, I'm leaving home.

Aunt Hedy failed me at school.

I'm sorry. Your loving son.

The point is, he's gone, and we've got the wedding of the year coming up. We

have to find him. You must help me, Felix. I'm depending on you.

I can't, and had he fired me, I'll string Hattie King up by her toes. I own

the hotel. I'm unfiring you.

I can explain everything.

Sudden telegram.

Urgent business in Paris.

Don't give me that malarkey.

There's a woman waiting back at the hotel who says she's your mother.

Of course, that's impossible.

You mean she is?

Why would you run away from your own mother?

Maybe it's for a darn good reason.

What reason?

Look here, Pierre. Are you aware she thinks you own the hotel?

If you've done something wrong, we'll try and help you, but please don't

us in her hour of need.

All right.

I will go.

You should provide my mother a room in the hotel.

That's the spirit.

It reminds one of the old estate.

Remember, my little girl?

When I was a child, how I loved to walk for hours in the snow, then stop at

Hunting Lodge for tea.

Grandpapa would light a little fire and read to me.

There it is.

Quite beautiful.

Simon Tremaine at your service. Albert, the luggage.

We have reserved the lieutenant governor's suite, the finest apartment

hotel. We'll have your belongings taken up directly.

The finest, you are very kind.

And exactly how much

is your finest?

We are guests of the hotel owner, Mr. McPhee, you know.

Oh, it is an honor.

and a privilege.

Right in that way, Your Excellency.

What delightful surroundings.

Our standard rate, I assure you, sir.

The Countess from Poland. Her son is getting married here. That must be her.

Countess Polinka.

The wedding's bound to be a wheelie party. I hear a marriage related to the

of Prussia. Really?

You didn't know it by looking at her.

Probably got a fortune squirreled away in a vault somewhere.

Madam must be famished.

May I suggest room service?

Tea?

Caviar?

Truffles? Oh, truffles.

It has been a long time between truffles, madam.

But if we keep spending like this... Give me the box. I want to take an

accounting. No, madam, it is my responsibility. There is nothing to

Your Laskaya emerald fetched a handsome sum, and that was barely two months ago.

I assure you, the situation is well in hand.

But sooner or later, I will run out of brooches. No fear.

There is enough jewelry in this box to keep madam in the lap of luxury to a

old age.

Well, if you say so.

It gives me such a headache to think about these things.

Order, then.

But no big tips, Minushkin.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

All right, I'll learn.

Put this in the box for me, will you please, my dear?

It's open.

Maman, je suis navré.

Pouvez -vous m 'excuser?

Oh, Pierre, quit that party, everyone, and speak the king's English like a

respectable human being.

Maman, I'm so embarrassed and ashamed.

Will you ever forgive me?

Oh, say, it's for service.

I pray...

to St. Anthony every night for your safety since your damn father took you

from us. Come on. Sit down here beside me. Come on. That's a good lad.

Oh, my grand, beautiful boy.

You're the image of your father.

Mama, it was never a marriage made in heaven.

The Irish, the French, the two of you like oil and water.

The only thing I ever regretted was letting him take you away from me. I

have stopped him. Mama, please.

How is Adele?

You wouldn't recognize her.

Your baby sister has grown into a gorgeous beauty.

Oh, and won't she be thrilled when she sees this hotel of yours?

Mama, about the hotel... I know when you wrote and told her she bought it.

We were proud as peacocks on a Sunday afternoon.

But, oh, now that I see it with my own eyes, Pierre, you didn't do it justice.

It's a thousand times grander than you said in the first place.

Maman, there's something I must tell you.

What? You look a little green around the gills, lad. What's the matter?

Oh, nothing. I mean, I want you to have lunch with me in the dining

room.

What do you mean you couldn't tell her?

Are you stark raving mad?

I didn't want to disappoint her. Not again.

What are you talking about? We all disappoint our mothers. That's what

do. No, no.

Not the way I did.

You see, Papa left her and took me with him.

I've been guilty all my life for deserting her.

Then when he died, I couldn't face her.

I tried to make it up to her, be rich and famous, make her proud.

So I ran off to make up my fortune, and the best I could do was become a chef.

What's wrong with being a chef?

Oh, nothing, except one fear led to another.

Pierre, you have to set us straight. I can't.

Not yet.

I need to carry out the charade a little longer.

He's insane.

Call the doctor. Have mercy.

I asked her to lunch.

One measly little lunch in the dining room, pretending I'm the owner of the

hotel. And then I swear I will ship her home and she will never know the

difference. Good Lord. If you're the owner...

What does that make me?

Madam is not eating her potatoes.

Are they overdone?

No, no, just trifle cough.

Boy, a word with the chef at once.

The chef?

Good God.

Get feeling quick.

Mamma.

You look exquisite. Oh, go on with you. Look at you.

You just stepped out of a band box.

Wait till your sister gets a look at you.

Does Adele remember me very well?

Remember you? You're her hero.

She's secretary now to three main professors at Dalhousie University.

I'm glad she's done well.

Well, heavens, it's your money paid for her school down in Toronto.

I can't believe it. I never thought I'd live to see the day when my son and my

daughter were mixing with the gentry and me still scrubbing the floors.

Maman, you are not still working.

Now, don't you say anything.

I need to keep a bit of my own.

Can't go looking for handouts from a son I haven't seen in 20 years.

Maman, I cannot let this go on. There is something... Now, look.

Adele knows nothing about this, so you bite your tongue and don't say anything.

My business is my concern.

What is it? Oh, Felix King, you were dismissed, remember?

I fired you.

You were to remain a busboy. What is going on here?

Quiet. I can explain everything.

Madam, the Countess is having her dinner.

Would you kindly move off?

Clearly you don't understand. I own this establishment.

Please, I'll explain later. Play along for Pierre. Pierre?

It's very complicated. I'll explain later.

It is the mother of Adele.

Yeah,

Pierre.

Excuse me.

Telling people you own this hotel, I should take it to court for

misappropriation. I do not know what the old harpy says.

It's true, Maman.

I have a horrible confession to make.

Will you ever forgive me?

I am only the chef in this establishment.

That can't be.

Your sister is getting married here.

What? Married.

She is getting married here.

When? You mean when? In two days.

I... I wanted... I wanted to do the right thing. Didn't you get my letter?

I offered her your hotel for the wedding.

No.

The... The wedding?

Yes, that's the one.

His family thinks you own this hotel.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our

Amen. Oh, when they get wind of this, they'll call the whole thing off.

Me? What did I do? I come here to find that French fool putting on airs my own

partner behaving like a lunatic.

You're the one forever sticking your nose into other people's business. Won't

you calm down? Isn't everybody forgetting about the wedding? That is

of you, Felix King. You lied to me and I'll not forget it.

You lying to your own mother.

Shame on you.

Miss King is right.

I am wrong.

I better be running along.

Yes, well, liars never prosper, that's a fact. So let's hope you've learned your

lesson, Pierre.

This is for you. Your lesson's yet to be learned. Come with me. Ow!

Ow!

Only has Felix failed his English miserably and will not be graduating

peers, but he has also out -and -outified me after I'd forbid him to

longer at the hotel.

Oh, Felix, is it true?

What difference does it make anyway?

Nobody listens to me.

But don't worry, I'm leaving Avonlea for good.

Oh, Felix, no!

There's no point in looking at me like that, Alec.

I have done my duty, and a good thing, too.

You and your precious Judy have done enough damage under this roof.

There aren't many boys who work as hard as our Felix. He's always tried to be

conscientious, do his best to please everyone.

So he wasn't a genius at writing essays.

With a little time and patience on your part, you might have helped him.

But I can't believe you're defending him.

Well, you better believe I'm defending him. Why do you think I gave up on

as a youngster?

Because you weren't that smart.

No, no, no. I was as smart as anyone else. It was you.

Carping, criticizing, making fun of me. So I lost any shred of confidence.

You know, I can't tell you how many times I wanted to run away.

Growing up in the same house with such a smug little know -it -all as you. And

now, now you're doing the same thing to my son.

Driving him away just as sure as there's a tomorrow.

Hedy, you stay right here.

I don't want you leaving till I sort this mess out.

Well?

Are you coming or going?

I put your Aunt Hedy straight about all that.

So?

Stay. Now to deal with the mess Pierre's got himself into.

Well, it's been pointed out to me, none too subtly, I may add, that I...

I may have been guilty of causing unnecessary problems here, and...

Felix, I've decided to give you some special tutoring in English so

that you'll be able to graduate on time and still work here at the hotel, if you

so wish.

As for you, Pierre, not that I am one to condone fibbing. We,

Alec and I, would...

We've come up with a plan for the wedding.

Ah, good.

The wedding.

Pardon the intrusion, but with the bride and groom due here in the morning, the

Countess Polenska is anxious to know when the bride's family will arrive.

May the Countess speak to the bride's brother, Mr. McPhee, then.

Oh, you mean Pierre LaPierre McKee.

Oh, yes.

Yes, of course.

Oh, yes, yes. Of course, of course. He is the owner, aren't you?

Everyone knows that.

I had no idea you were with the Polenskas.

May I have the honor, on behalf of my mother,

And my sister, who arrives tomorrow, I welcome you to my

hotel. Igor Minushkin, personal secretary to her excellency.

Monsieur. Welcome to you, Mr. Minushkin.

Do forgive my earlier foolishness.

You see, we are Pierre's family.

Yes, yes, I'm...

Hettie McPhee. Yes, and... Here is... Here is Alec

McPhee. And we're so looking forward to the wedding, aren't we, dear?

Enchanté.

Forty... Sixty...

You and that Countess lady leaving?

You just got off the train the other day.

I wish to purchase in advance two first -class tickets, private roommates, and

special meals for Chicago.

Well, the only first class on the main line once you get to Nova Scotia.

Pack a lunch and travel coach.

Save a bundle.

I'm afraid not.

Say, it's an awful nice timepiece you got there, mister.

A lot of character.

You have a discerning eye.

The entire piece is 18 carats gold.

Never held anything like real gold before.

Sir, since you are clearly a man of taste...

Perhaps I might interest you in a small barter?

Got a nice tight mechanism.

Good

day,

madam.

Did you enjoy your outing?

I enjoyed mine.

Did you enjoy yours?

Yes.

Yes, indeed.

I picked up our tickets to Chicago.

Our visitor to the Van Diversons.

Oh, I noticed that the clasp on your pin was loose.

So... just to be sure I took everything to be checked and cleaned.

Would madam prefer to wear this one now?

Yes, thank you, thank you.

Manushkin.

The outstanding bill.

Have you enough to pay them?

Yes, madam.

More than enough.

I was concerned that the jeweler would charge a fortune.

But no, it was a mere pittance.

I am so foolish.

I saw the empty box.

No need to fret, madam.

You are being over -anxious.

Marek will be here in no time. with this lovely bride?

Of course.

Yes, right.

It's an occasion.

Try it again.

A couple of times.

Pinky, pinky, up, up, up, up, up.

That's better.

Now...

what the Countess says.

If you stick to the weather, then you can't go wrong.

There we are.

That dress of Rachel suits her to a tee, doesn't it?

Have a look.

How do you feel, Mrs. McPhee?

Oh, you make me look like... like I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth.

That was always there to begin with. You just didn't notice it.

The bride and groom are arriving. All staff at attention.

Mrs. Maxey?

Don't mind if I do.

Do you think it'll snow today?

I wouldn't be surprised.

Well, perhaps it'll snow tomorrow.

The day after that.

Could snow two days from now as well.

Like snow all winter.

We didn't have much snow last winter.

You never can tell about snow, can you, though?

But it's grand when it does.

I suppose when one tires of snow, one goes to the Riviera.

Mrs. McPhee, whatever are you doing?

Duncan.

Duncan?

Don't tell me... You don't dunk over in Poland.

Well, for heaven's sake.

Look, I'll show you. Now, see this cookie?

Hard as cement.

Now, you dunk it.

Melts like butter.

The trouble is, the cup is a little too small for it. So you have to use the

sauce.

You don't say.

Dunking? You call it.

You North Americans always have the latest inventions.

How clever.

Mmm.

Oh, delicious.

Delicious. Mmm.

Pardon my asking, but what in God's nice kind are you doing with the sugar?

And this is how we do it in Poland.

Go ahead, try.

It's very much an art.

Try.

Lord forgive us, we know not what we eat, but we'll take a chance.

No, you're not.

You're never safe from surprises till you're dead.

Now we have such plans, Maria.

Now that I finally have that teaching position in Cambridge, close to London,

leave right after the wedding. I do hope you won't be offended.

The old life belongs to the past now.

But I had such hopes.

We made mistakes.

But young men like you could make a difference. You could lead Poland into

new century.

I'm not going back there, Mother.

All that is finished. Can't you see I can do more good teaching?

Look, we'll bring you to England as soon as we're settled. You can live with us.

No, no.

I am quite comfortable in America. You mustn't worry, Mother.

Manushkin and I have many friends and acquaintances still to visit on this

continent. And I want you to live with us.

Minister and I would only be in the way of a pair of happy newlyweds.

Very well, then I'll send you something each month.

It isn't that.

It's that I am feeling... older.

I don't walk as far as I used to.

You should walk more often.

But I can still throw a snowball farther than you.

So watch out!

Yes, I think so.

I've been waiting 20 minutes already.

Just how long did it take to check out of this hotel?

It will be ready very soon, Mr... Excuse me, Mr Radcliffe. You didn't leave your

gloves in the dining room, did you?

No, I don't believe so.

Mr Radcliffe, yes.

Here it is.

Thank you, Mr Radcliffe. I hope you enjoyed your stay.

Au revoir.

Just another 24 hours, then you can go back to your kitchen and I can go back

my office.

Another day and I can ruin not only Adele's wedding, but your hotel as well.

Keep a stiff upper lip, Pierre.

I could never own and manage such an establishment.

That's all right.

I could never cook more than a cup of tea.

Adele.

Cherie. Cherie.

What do you mean you could never manage such an establishment?

I am not the owner of this magnificent hotel.

I am really only the chef.

Why did you tell us you were?

I hoped that you would always look up to me.

You could count on me and think... think well of me. But I do.

You and Mama have given me so much for so many years, and you've arranged this

entire wedding.

I've let you both down.

It'll break our mother's heart if the Polanskas call off the wedding because

me.

Pierre, don't be ridiculous.

Marek isn't marrying me for a dowry.

He loves me.

And I love you for what you've tried to do.

He's a chef.

And my mother has been working her fingers to the bone all these years and

said a word.

My father ran away and took him when he was a young boy.

We've corresponded, but it's been years.

Oh, Marek, what must you think of my family? Your family?

Heavens.

My family lost everything in Europe.

All their property and their honor. They were mortgaged to the hilt.

If it wasn't for old Minushkin scraping pennies together, I don't know what

would have happened to my mother.

She's too proud to admit she has nothing left but her title.

Then they must never find out we know the truth.

We must look after them, Marek.

Together, dear Adele.

Will you marry an impoverished count?

Who will love you for the rest of his days on this earth.

If only the impoverished count will lower himself to marry a scrub woman's

daughter.

I want to give him

something.

And I can't.

There's nothing left. I have nothing left. No, nothing. No.

No property.

My only son and I have failed him.

He is marrying well, madam.

And if he chooses to fall in love with a commoner, well, at least

she has money.

No, no, Skip.

What is important is that married loves the girl.

But you have already given him the greatest gift of all.

Your love.

And your title.

These he will have forever.

What is it?

You always find a way to make my heart like this.

Would madam like some tea? I can fetch it at once.

No, just read to me a little.

Will you, Menushkin?

Yes, madam.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Voila, voila, voila.

Adèle. Maman, this is for you.

Pierre, all these new doodads and finery, somebody's got to pay the piper.

You won't have to worry anymore.

From now on, I will take care of everything.

Naughty dog.

You knew all the time.

$1 gold.

An 18 -carat pocket watch in exchange for $100.

Two first class.

Sorry, my dear. Madam, everybody is seated.

The music.

What time is it?

I must have forgotten it.

No, I don't think you did.

Madam. I persuaded the station master to take my fabulous approaching day.

This was my great -grandfather's.

What made you do it,

Igor?

You are the ninth countess, Volenska.

And I have nothing to give you in these troubled times.

Volenska.

My foolish, proper, wonderful.

Thank you.

Master King, I understand from Mr. Mackay that you have created this

field. I shall certainly recommend the White Sands to all my friends in

My dear, I'm afraid I have something dreadful to confess to you.

The Polinskas are flat broke.

What a cry in shame. So are the McPhees.

Well, now.

Aren't... With a brazen pair.

Brazen, is it?

If brass were gold, we'd both be millionaires. No, we are millionaires.

We've got them.

Well, that's that.

Now, the bill.

Who's going to pay for all this?

Me, of course.

I'll work it off.

Even if it takes the rest of my life.

Nonsense. We won't hear of it, will we?

Oh, a society wedding like that.

Oh, it's an invaluable advertisement for the hotel. No, no.

It's on the house.

Hitching King, have you lost your... Allons -y, Pierre.

Come on.

Of course.

It's on the house.